During her bachelor’s studies, Franka Stößer developed a strong interest in climate change and the desire to make a difference. So she decided to pursue a master's degree with an environmental focus. What particularly convinced her about the master's programme in Spatial, Transport and Environmental Economics at VU Amsterdam is its approach to environmental problems from an economic perspective, where topics such as spatial and urban aspects are addressed.

Throughout my master's studies, I have been constantly confronted with the disproportionate impact of climate change on communities in developing areas facing economic challenges. One specific moment was during a course on environmental policy, where we analysed the case study of a local community affected by industrial pollution. Seeing the concrete impact of economic decisions on people's lives made the issues we were investigating very tangible to me. It wasn't just about numbers and theories, but about people and communities whose voices often went unheard. This led me to become actively involved with UNICEF during my master's studies. I wanted to leverage my academic knowledge and passion for environmental justice by joining and supporting an organisation dedicated to the rights and well-being of every child.

During my time at UNICEF, we completed several meaningful projects. During the Christmas season, our team collected donations such as children's games and plush toys, which we then donated to undocumented women and their children at the Worldhouse in Amsterdam. We are currently supporting local food banks by organising a food drive. We also plan to collaborate with the VU Green Office to plant trees. This reflects UNICEF's broader commitment to environmental sustainability to create a better world for children.

Combining my studies with our weekly UNICEF meetings and activities was not always easy, especially during exam periods. Nevertheless, participating in these activities also offered a nice change and a break from the routine of student life. It provided a balance between academic reading and practical work. Plus, my activism brought me together with like-minded people, and because we're all students who sometimes struggle to manage everything, we supported each other and always understood when one of us needed to scale back our activism commitments. At the end of the day, it's about contributing as much as we can while having fun and enjoying what we're doing.

Combining activism with my studies has strengthened my understanding of global challenges through the combination of theoretical frameworks with practical applications. Juggling both commitments has improved my ability to handle multiple responsibilities at the same time. I learned about the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, as societal challenges are complex and addressing them requires multiple perspectives. Moreover, during my master's, I learned to take into account the spatial implications of policies by analysing how they affect various regions and communities differently.

VU Amsterdam encourages practical involvement by facilitating internships and volunteer opportunities with NGOs and government organisations. With initiatives such as the Green Office, the university also gives students the opportunity to participate in sustainability projects and promotes environmental awareness and action on campus and beyond. These resources and opportunities made it possible for me to pursue my studies while simultaneously engaging in my passion for civic engagement in my free time.

In the future, I would like to further apply the knowledge and skills I gained during my studies to make tangible progress in the field of climate activism, human rights, and animal welfare. This encompasses participating in research-driven policy advocacy, contributing to innovative sustainability projects, and collaborating with organisations striving for a more just world. In addition to supporting children through UNICEF, I aim to contribute to systemic change – such as influencing environmental policy reforms and promoting responsible consumption habits – that address the underlying causes of societal problems. Ultimately, I am committed to lifelong learning and advocacy, constantly seeking opportunities to expand my impact on the causes I am passionate about.